The Importance of Employment

Love INC's commitment to transformation, and not just to providing emergency assistance or ongoing financial support alone, requires a commitment to developing relationships with the people we serve. We address the underlying factors that have contributed to the immediate crisis that brings people to Love INC. Unemployment and under-employment are among the most common factors contributing to these immediate crises.

For all of us, meaningful and adequately-reimbursed employment is key both to stability in our lives, and to our sense of self-worth. The importance of helping the individuals we serve get, and keep, jobs cannot be overstated. 

Our Current Components: 

• Living Large for Real Job Search Classes
  12-week series offered twice per year to provide instruction and guidance regarding career development, applications/resumes, interviewing, job search and job retention tips.
   
• First Impressions Professional Clothing Closet
  Provides free interviewing clothing to job seekers participating in Love INC or other community job search programs.
   
• Job Search Coaching
  Personalized assistance and encouragement for committed job seekers working with Love INC.
   
• Mobilizing Support for Individuals with Barriers to Employment
  Facilitating development of and providing ongoing support to Columbia Christian Reentry Coalition and Refugee Support Network which offer a variety of assistance to ex-offenders and refugees transitioning to our community. 

Areas Being Developed: 

• Employment Training and Job Creation
  Through expansion of The Love Seat furniture bank to include job training, repairs. hauling and resale components.
   
• Increasing Employment Opportunities for Love INC Program Participants
  Developing relationships with local employers and providing ongoing support for employees to encourage hiring and increase job retention.
   
• You Can Help By:
  
  
  • Joining our team of Career Development/Job Search Instructors.
     
  • Becoming a Job Search Coach to one or more job seekers; training is provided.
     
  • Providing transportation (or a bus pass) for a job seeker to and from dropping off applications, meeting with a Job Coach, or an interview.
     
  • Supporting First Impressions Professional Clothing Closet through hosting a drive, volunteering at the closet or donating gently used clothing.
     
  • Calling the Love INC office if you become aware of local job openings.
     
  • Encouraging employers to hire individuals receiving support from Love INC.
     
  • Participating in the Columbia Christian Reentry Coalition and/or Refugee Support Network.
     
  • Joining a development team to expand The Love Seat furniture bank to include repair and resale operations and job training.

Please contact the Love INC office at 573-256-7662 for more information on any of the above.